Having a delay in treatment may mean that patients die earlier than they otherwise would due to their cancerous symptoms. This can result from the length of time it takes for an
individual’s tumor to regress. The good news is that there are various ways in which the delays in cancer treatment can be reduced, such as through innovative and efficient diagnostic tests or by using evidence-based treatments.
1. In-House Next Generation Sequencing
This method involves using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to determine the genetic makeup of a tumor removed from an individual, which can help determine the best treatment for that tumor and the patient involved. The process is performed within a hospital or other medical facility. It allows surgeons and other health care providers to decide on the best course of action for treating patients who are not responding well to initial treatments. Instead of sending samples away to be analyzed by external laboratories as is often done, in-house NGS allows an institute’s staff or physicians to have access to results right away, which can help them decide on the most effective therapies or treatment plans as recommended oncomine.com.
2. Genomic Analysis
This method involves analyzing all or a portion of an individual’s tumor using genomic sequencing, which can help with determining how well a specific therapy is likely to work. Not only can this method be used to help determine if a treatment is likely to work, but it can also be used to predict the response the patient will have to treatment, as well as their prognosis. This can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis, which helps them determine the best course of action to take in treating a patient.
3. Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards
These are panels of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and other medical specialists who get together to discuss patients’ cases, thus allowing each member to contribute their experience and knowledge. By pooling all this information together, doctors can develop the best possible treatment plan for each patient on time. This method allows all the experts to collaborate on one plan, which involves forming a unified approach to uncover the best possible treatment option.
4. Diagnostic Tests
This method involves making quicker, more effective diagnostic tests that can be used to determine whether or not a patient will respond to a specific therapy, which is especially important for cancer treatment, where there are various options available. Still, not everyone will necessarily benefit from them. It is possible that by implementing these diagnostic tests, delays in cancer treatment can be reduced, which means that patients may receive the appropriate course of treatment sooner.
Patients have the right to know what is happening in their bodies and why. They have the right to a professional opinion and outcome from their oncologist that can help them see what treatment is best for them. A delay in cancer treatment can result in a patient’s death, which is why healthcare professionals must understand when delays are acceptable and when they are not.
Patients should be given regular updates on how cancer progresses, including tests. This will help patients stay motivated while undergoing treatments and make better decisions regarding other forms of treatment.